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On a scholarly note
Professor Cheng Lok Chua shares notes on Chinese immigrants to the United States…
He couldn’t have chosen more dominating countries on the global landscape for research purposes, but Professor Cheng Lok Chua laughs off the China versus America debate, the debate that most people love to be a part of. He shares, “Right now, they both are a force to reckon with. Hopefully, over time, they can become partners.” In Chandigarh on an invitation by Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, the senior Fullbright scholar from California State University talks of ‘The Chinese American Gold Mountain: An Asian American Version of the American Dream’. While the subject may be familiar to some, here’s a little backgrounder for the uninitiated. The Gold Mountain refers to the Chinese term for North America. Before he starts off on the two economic superpowers, here’s a thing or two on the city. “I’ve always been curious to see Chandigarh. My doctor back in California always keeps telling me about this place and says it’s a must visit. He passed out of Panjab University. It’s a small world,” he laughs. While there may not have been much time to indulge in sight-seeing, a couple of characteristics of the city remain obvious. He observes, “I haven’t been around seeing the landmarks but I noticed that it’s a very green city, very orderly and well-laid-out. The people here are also very friendly.” Having edited several books on the Chinese American literature and ethnic American literature, as for the lecture, he shares, “It’s on the early Chinese immigrants to the United States…I like to trace the early immigrant attitude towards America…the attitude that native Chinese were born with.” He adds, “I’m of a Chinese extract but I was born in Singapore, very close to India.” Speak of Indian literature and he shares, “I quite like Bharati Mukherjee and Jhumpa Lahiri for the depth of their literature; I like their works very much.” manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Best foot forward
In dance, choreographer Marzi Pestonji finds not just his profession and passion but true calling...
My Hindi…..oh, it is shockingly good. In fact it is getting better by the day. Shockingly better.” Choreographer Marzi Pestonji (Master Marzi) is hopeful about chit-chatting in Hindi one day. Until then he talks in a language we all can understand — dance. Chit-chatting with the kids and their parents of Oakridge Inter national school, Marzi doesn’t need fancy words to describe what dance means to him. “Dance is everything to me, it is my heart, soul, my prayer, my coca cola,” he smiles. Coca cola, this is a new way of describing passion. “Passion is what keeps me going, I can’t think of anything else but dance and how to touch the creative core of it.” Marzi is known for judging Zee TVs reality dance show, Dance India Dance along with Geeta Kapoor and Terence Lewis. It was on the show that he got a new nick name — udi baba! “I love the energy kids have, they are unstoppable and it was great judging them. It is a learning experience for me as well,” he adds, not forgetting to mention that parents should not force their kids to take up dancing or singing. “Parents should encourage their kids to take up extra-curricular activities but they should only send them to reality shows if they are extraordinarily good.” Marzi owes his dancing skills to Shiamak Davar. “I joined Shiamak as a student, I have been dancing in his group for almost 19 years now,” shares Marzi, whom we find speaking at a speed of a formula one car. Nonetheless, he is clear and audible, neat and to the point like his dancing. “We connect to the audiences through our dance, which is why it is important that they relate to it. At the same time, dance means experimenting and discovering new steps. This will only help us communicate better with the audiences.” Marzi is the principal dancer and senior faculty in Shiamak Davar's Institute of Performing Arts. “Right now, this is my sole activity, I teach dancing. I don’t see myself judging another dance reality show anytime soon. I am not sure about choreographing in movies, all I see myself do is teach dance and pick up a few moves myself,” adds Marzi, who finds his best students in the kids who come to learn. “I am like a kid myself mentally, which is why I can understand them much better.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Pure bliss
A thought finds words, takes a dip in the river of sounds; rolls on in rhythm, finally finding shape in the form of a track. Left to the two members of the band Stereo Buddha Shubhangi Tewari, vocals, and Siddharth Sharma, electronics and guitar, this is exactly what they describe creating music as!
In Chandigrah to perform at Zinc, the band members, who met in London in 2010 while pursuing their respective courses in music, have something for everyone. So if you hear electronic, hip-hop, oriental or Vedic, just give it to Stereo Buddha for the unique sounds. “We don’t fall in a particular genre because we explore all kinds of music. Essentially though, you can say we play electronic and new-age music,” shares Siddharth, who has something interesting to say about the band’s name. “Stereo stands for sound and Buddha because music anyways enlightens.” If it is mediation for some, it is enlightenment for others; music sure has its effects on everyone. One thing that heightens this effect is the technical know-how. Siddharth explains how. “It is always an added advantage if you know about the technical aspects of making music; the software used and how technology
can be worked to the best. On the other hand, music is something totally different; it comes from passion and nothing else.” The band is excited about their upcoming first album. “Evaporate is the name of the album and it has eight tracks, which will be released in December,” adds Siddharth. And they are already working on their second album. “It takes months to get the right music and then I send it to Shubhangi who gives vocals to it. In the end, it is great to hear the track; a complete enlightening experience.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Blog bargain
Vaibhav Sharma, listed by the Forbes magazine as the seventh most influential person in the mobile phone market, enjoys the thrill of blogging
Four years back, when Vaibhav Sharma casually began sharing his knowledge about mobile phones on a website he started, he never thought his word will count so much. He was recently listed by the Forbes magazine as the seventh most influential person in the mobile phone market. This success, however, is the after effect of what he feels is a more significant achievement. His blog, The Handheld Blog, on an average receives an overwhelming 250000 hits a month. From reviewing smartphones, sharing knowledge about various features of a handset to advising people as to what would be the apt choice in a certain budget; he takes care of every mobile related aspect through his blog. A practicing advocate in the Punjab and Haryana High Courts, he started with a website, The Symbian Blog that in 2007 that was dedicated to the working of Symbian operating system used then in the smartphones. “Now we have a new mobile gadget every week entering the market, the features and models are updated very frequently and then there are thousands of mobile applications, my blog gives an objective feedback on everything related to cell phones.” He also helps people do away with the misconceptions they have about their working. “The biggest one being, people think smartphones are the ones that fall in the high-cost brackets or implies to the ones with a bigger screen and complex features.” The fact on the other hand is that any phone that gives one access to the Internet falls in the category of smartphones, which are now available in the market at as reasonable a price as Rs 5000. These phones, he says, have brought in the true cell phone revolution, which people mostly attribute to lesser call rates. “I call this the revolution period because smartphones have empowered people with knowledge even in the non-descript villages of India. In far-fledged towns and villages of India, where it’s impossible to lay down cables to provide the Internet to people, a few mobile towers have served the purpose.” Be it news about politics or something as simple as the prices of vegetables on a given particular day, people have access to all the facts. As a blogger, he feels that bloggers who are most sought by readers have a certain responsibility to fulfil. And it becomes quite a challenge when the sponsorship of the blog comes from the companies, the product of which bloggers have to review. “But all said and done, independent blogs have gained a lot of popularity for the credibility they promise. Ask a shopkeeper which phone is better; he will suggest the one which leaves him behind the maximum commission. Bloggers don’t get such kickbacks,” he quips. They get immense popularity, 250000 hits per months quite substantiate the same. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Astro turf
ARIES: Your card can make this a day of enjoyment and opportunity. Personal plans are likely to receive a severe setback. Your child’s performance makes you happy. Tarot message: Don’t be bullied into accepting situations you dislike.
Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 41 TAURUS: Sensual and physical pleasures are worthy of indulgence. You will have no problems getting along with the members of the family. Romance is under thoughtful stars. Tarot message: Take limited risks and don’t jeopardise your long term capitals. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 62 GEMINI: Watch out for the unexpected. Business matters may not turn out to be as straight forward as they first appear. Take care of your stomach. Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 57 CANCER: Make efforts on the job because laziness won’t be tolerated by bosses. Today you meet someone who sets your heart aflutter. The artistic side of your nature will yearn for an outlet. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 26 LEO: “Ace of Cups” will set your mood for getting nagging chores out of the way. You will be surprised how good you feel once a day’s work is under your belt. Handle cash carefully. Tarot message: Make a deciding choice and then live with the outcome of your decision. Lucky color: Brown. Magic number: 63 VIRGO: Love affairs will blossom, but do not go on face value. Success comes only with hard work. People might appear to be what they aren’t, so be cautions and discriminating in your dealing. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27
LIBRA: The support of an expert will help you master whatever subject you are committed to learning. Health wise increase liquid intake. Loved ones will be congenial. Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky color: Sea green. Magic number: 28. SCORPIO: Personal plans will have to be put aside again.This evening is ideal for serious discussion if something important is bothering you. Venus is very powerful today. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Travel arrangements can be difficult to arrange so wait. Better day for dealing with accounts than trying to start anything important. Time spent alone on studying will not be wasted. Tarot message: Try not to get carried away by your initial success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 43 CAPRICORN: Socially a hectic evening ahead. Watch out for potential arguments or ill-temper especially if alcohol is part of the scene. You are sure the host with the most. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 55 AQUARIUS: After a busy period of seasonal celebration you will be glad to take it easy. Frank discussion could clear the air. Go along with the wishes of your spouse. Tarot message: Do not let opposition trouble you when you decide to walk the path you wanted to. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 57 PISCES: Your overall situation should improve. You will get much job satisfaction from creative work. Superiors will be co-operative, offering you moral as well as financial backing. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over-anxious. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 37
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 3...
You will make it a successful year on the work front. Chances to catch cold and cough can be seen. Personal life is fine. Better health is going to make you happy. During this phase, expect various problems which will irritate you somewhat. If you are single, you'll have heaps of opportunities to meet someone. It's difficult to communicate with someone who is willfully ignoring you. You're a practical person who believes the fastest route between two points is the best way to be successful. When your lover or best friend refuses to answer direct questions, you throw up your hands in disgust. If your employer thinks you're being uncooperative, you will suffer for it. Your popularity gets a big boost early in 2013 and you can ride the wave for longer than you'd expect. Youngsters will have a few difficulties which could lead to lack of self-confidence. The stars advise reflecting and reacting. The work assigned to you might be a test of your expertise and knowledge. Therefore you should put all your efforts the the task. Its successful completion will bring many other offers in your way. If you are still pursuing your studies then this time frame would be favourable for you. Personal illness, fatigue, emotional issues, loss or injury may stunt your ability to perform. A great deal may be expected or required of you, especially with Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn, Sagittarius or Gemini pals. You'll feel tired and on the edge so how about signing up for a yoga course. A balanced diet should be followed. You could feel stretched beyond your limits by a wild individual or an unmanageable experience. Giving more and going further isn't easy, but it may be your only way to romance now.
Konkona Sen Sharma (December 3, 1979, New Delhi) daughter of filmmaker Aparna Sen, gained attention with the English-language film, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (2002), directed by her mother, and received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.
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Be original
Ashima Batish
Fashion designer Salim Asgarally has been contributing to the Indian fashion industry since the past 20 years. His creations are popular in India and abroad, especially in the Middle-East. Though he hasn’t been very active on the ramp but that makes him no less popular than other designers. He is loved and wanted by people who understand fashion. Eager to share what fashion has to this season, he has all the tips ready. What’s in: Dior dresses are a rage this season. Go for silhouettes that gather at the waist area. Pleats and drapes are sensible add ons. Try to be ethically fashionable this season, instead of going in for imitation. Try out original designs. Prefer a great colour, design and cut to embroidery and work. What's out: Designs that don’t have a structure and aren’t well-tailored. Shapeless clothes won’t flatter your body, wearing them will in fact make you look out of shape and out of fashion at the same time. Colour count: Plum is the colour of the season. Buy a knee-length plum dress for a formal get-together or a plum long coat for office. Other popular colours will be gold, metallic silver, grey and coral. Party couture: Avoid black. I know the colour people bet on as party wear but it’s too common. It’s time to get experimental. Instead go for coral knee-length A-line shift dress. Textured fabric and lace as dress material will look great as well. Dressed to the nines: Aalia Bhatt has impressed fashion police with her great sense of style. Sarah Jane may not be a very successful actor but the former Miss India understands the definition of style well. She has never gone wrong with anything she picks up. Leading in fashion: It’s Roberto Cavali for his sheer flamboyance and sense of luxe in design and Armani for understated elegance. Fashion designers must try to bring in these qualities in their designs. Future collection: It will be full of hot colours, ruffles and interesting drapes. I have focused mainly on Westerns, which make for great evening dresses. Cocktail dresses, tunics, gowns will dominate the collection. On the Indian Fashion Industry: We are picking up gradually and with FDI in the retail segment slowly becoming a reality, we will pick up by leaps and bounds. The year ahead should see some sweeping changes in the designer fashion market too.
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On a different note
Actor Sharad Kelkar, who is currently playing a doctor in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge is now anchoring a new crime based show Shaitan – A Criminal Mind as well. “Shaitan is different from other crime shows. What I like about this show is that it goes beyond just what went wrong, but rather attempts to dig deep into the minds of the criminals. We try to find out the underlying causes of their diabolic actions and whether it could have been prevented. The team has trained psychologists on board who research in detail on all the concerned cases,” shared Sharad. He also accepted that crime genre has become very popular, “Every day we read so many cases of honour killings and other heinous incidents. There is no particular type of crime we chose; it can be anything from robbery, murder to even rape. We try to highlight strange and mysterious cases,” he further added.
Taking the charge
BEHIND THE CAMERA: Aditya Redij
On the cards
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saraswatichandra has been in the news for various reasons and now this big TV show will air in 2013. Though there are plans to shoot the show in Dubai and Gujarat, a three storey set has been erected in Film City.
While Rohit Khurana of Vansh fame is married in real life, he has always maintained he was single and living in with his girlfriend. But suddenly he broke the news that he is married to Neha and is a dad too.
What a mess: Rohit Khurana
Dancer Shakti Mohan will bring out a dance calendar this year too. Called Nritya Shakti, she will focus on the theme, Dancing with the Gods. She will be seen in different avatars of God.
Have feet, will dance: Shakti Mohan
Keeping it personal
IT’S MY LIFE: Kritika Kamra
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Greek odyssey
Kandla Nijhowne
Think Greek and I remember the memorable scene of Anthony Quinn, dancing the “sirtaki” with complete aplomb in 'Zorba the Greek”. Say Greek, and I'm salivating for moussaka! It amazes me how a humble brinjal can be dressed to be such a star, and taste so delectable! The regions of Bosnia, Serbia and Herzegovina have been in the news for tragic wars, almost blotting out from our memory-slate that they originally turned out supreme foods fit for a king. A moussaka is essentially a dish of minced-lamb, layered with cooked brinjals and tomatoes with generous helpings of cheese. But a veggie version too, once grilled to perfection can raise several sets of eyebrows! My experiments have led me
to believe that a moussaka tastes like heaven, even when we reduce the quantity of cheese to reduce the richness! This vegetarian recipe is inspired by Henderson's vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh. Method
Veggie moussaka
(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert) |
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Make holidays fun
Renee Singh Holidays are the time of the year that we all are excited about. For most of us as parents and grandparents, the holiday season coordinates with the children's holidays in school, but of course a couple of times in the year, we do try and indulge in some welcome breaks in our day to day existence. Well, the fact is holiday season can be one of the most stressful times as it involves planning and much coordination. It is completely up to us to help ourselves enjoy this part of the year fully. I actually remember one client of mine coming over with what she thought was a serious problem. She always seemed to experience a certain level of dread mixed with her holiday excitement. It's not that she didn't enjoy her vacation. It was There was a poll carried in America which said that 80 per cent of the people go through holiday stress and by the time they are through with their holidaying, they are looking for some serious stress relief. Reasons for holiday stress High expectations
Since so much goes into preparing for the holiday, expectation of joy from the holiday is too much. More expenditure
Many people actually borrow money or take loans to pay for the holiday so when the holiday is over the stress levels begin to rise. Action packed
Sometimes we pack in too much into the holiday that instead of relaxing and unwinding, you are actually stressing. You need to make a schedule of how to enjoy your holiday... Make a plan: Past stressors
Think about what it was in your past holiday that stressed you, just avoid those things. Avoid family conflicts
Holidays are actually a time for family bonding but sometimes we disagree on whom to invite and whom to avoid. Find a common ground! Holidaying with friends
Hanging around with friends is perhaps one of the best kinds of fun in life. It is a great way to bond and enjoy the spirit of the season. Be prepared for conflict
Usually when the family gets together there is always some conflict and it's always a good idea to be prepared for it. Of course you are not going around looking for trouble but if you have a sister who always criticises or mum who constantly finds fault in you, just remember they love you and these are just their silly habits. Celebrate at home
You can combat holiday stress by having some celebrations in the house. Take turns in inviting small groups of friend and relatives and enjoying the bonding in the comfort of your own home. It's up to us to keep holidays simple, happy and stress free. Holidays are essentially a time of friendliness, fellowship and harmony. Mood changes and anxiety may occur because of many demands on us. Just combat these and feel the joy… (Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)
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Akshay Kumar’s Punjabi venture
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar recently announced venturing into Punjabi film industry, saying he has earned a lot of name and fame and it was "payback time" now.
"I want to make good Punjabi films, I feel it's payback time. I have earned a lot in my life and now I want to give something back," Akshay announced in Bathinda, where he, along with Bollywood actress Asin, performed on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the third edition of the World Cup Kabaddi tournament. Akshay said that he has his roots in Punjab as his father belongs to Amritsar. The actor's friend and noted Punjabi comedian Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi, who was also present with Akshay said that "he (Akshay) has assigned me the task of taking ahead the project of making a Punjabi film, which we will do next year". Akshay Kumar, who is credited with a number of hits, said that he will be making a Punjabi film titled Paaji in Trouble, whose shooting will begin soon. Punjabi film actor, Gippy Grewal, was also present with Akshay.
— PTI
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Apparel and more…
Wooden furniture, paper flowers, white metal knick knacks, wall hangings — there is as much to dress up your home as your wardrobe. Colourful paper flowers greet you at the entrance; equally colourful is the first stall that has even brighter shades of suits and saris from Bengal. If any other stall gives them competition in terms of
colour, it’s the phulkari stall a few steps ahead. Lovely duapptas and suits here are priced Rs 500 onwards.
Banarasi, Kashmiri, Himachali, you will find distinct fabrics and prints from different states here as well as readymade wear. Silver and stone
jewellery, handlooms and more, check out this exhibition. On till December 10.
— TNS
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Mood: Emotionally cluttered. Compatible signs: Scorpio, Gemini Lucky colours: Red, magenta. Lucky days: Tuesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 5, 9, 11, 15, 40
Aditya Redij currently seen in Junoon-Aisi Nafrat toh Kaisa Ishq loves to learn different things. He works with the technical crew on the sets to understand every aspect of shooting. He is interested in learning about camera angles
also.
It’s too complicated
Divine touch
Kritika Kamra was seen in the promos of The Serial but then she opted out of the show as she didn’t want the focus to be on her love life once again. For the uninitiated, she was dating Karan Kundra, who is part of the show. She thought that with the fictionalised show interspersed with real life incidents, once again their spilt would be highlighted.
This Craft Bazaar promises much more than apparel that it duly has from around the country! Style Home Craft Bazaar, on at Kisan Bhavan-35, has some 150 stalls that bring artisans together with their ware. Organised by SS Memorial Educational Society, Sri Chamkuar Sahib,
Ropar, this offers an excellent place to shop till you drop.